By Luke Mathews
AIRPORT WEST 10.6 (66) def. by ABERFELDIE 19.16 (130)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie has flexed its muscles, defeating Airport West by 64 points at Hansen Reserve on Anzac day.
The win continues Abers' perfect start to the 2025 season while Airport West are now 1-2 after suffering back-to-back defeats.
After an evenly poised first half which saw both teams control the momentum at different stages, it was an eight-goal third-quarter blitz that sealed Aberfeldie's third win for the year.
It was the Aberfeldie superstars that did the damage with Karl Brown and Ben Ronke dominating with four and three goals respectively, while Callum Moore picked up the Mount Alexander Hotel best on ground award with four of his own.
The forwards got on the end of a dominant display in the middle led by Matt Williamson.
Despite going down, Ned Gentile was impressive in wet conditions kicking three goals in his first game for the year, while Isaac Cullen and Jacob Bygate were solid all day.
Abers will face their toughest test yet when they host Keilor in a blockbuster top-of-the-table clash, while Airport West will travel to Section Road to take on Greenvale.
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MARIBYRNONG PARK 16.12 (108) def. DEER PARK 12.7 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Maribyrnong Park has made it two wins in a row, defeating Deer Park by 29 points at Monk Oval for one of the victories of the round.
The win leaves Brodie Holland’s men 2-1 to start their first season back in Premier Division, while Deer Park are 1-2 after they failed to back up their win over Greenvale.
Marby set the tone early kicking four first-quarter goals to jump out to a 20-point lead, however they were challenged in the second term and their advantage was cut to just nine points.
The home side wrestled back the momentum early in the third before Deer Park piled on three quick goals to stay in the contest.
Three goals in four minutes restored Marby’s lead just before the break which proved to be enough with Deer Park unable to get within 14 points for the rest of the match.
It was Marby’s dynamic forward line that helped get them over the line with Jack Gerardi, Will Ryan, and Sam Calleri combining for eight goals and providing plenty of headaches for the Deer Park backline.
Despite another loss for Jamie Madigan’s side, there were some positives with Tom Mundy, Mark Galea, and Tim Quirk fighting hard all day.
Marby will be hoping to make it three in a row when they host Pascoe Vale, while Deer Park will be looking to bounce back against Essendon Doutta Stars.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 33.27 (225) def. EAST KEILOR 0.0 (0)
MATCH CENTRE
Essendon Doutta Stars have recorded their first win for the year, thumping East Keilor to the tune of 225 points at Nipper Jordan Oval.
After showing plenty of strong signs in their preseason outings and first two games, the Stars were finally rewarded for their effort with their first four points for the year.
It was clear from very early on that the game would be a one-sided affair, with the Stars jumping out to a 57-point quarter time lead and piled on 18 second-half goals to run away with the victory.
Vice-captain Bailey Ryan had a day to remember, kicking 10 goals to continue his strong start to the year, while Declan Tully and Giacomo Thomas cashed in with nine goals between them.
Douttas will be looking to make it two in a row when they travel to John McLeod Reserve to take on Deer Park, while East Keilor will host Strathmore.
PASCOE VALE 7.18 (60) def. by GREENVALE 10.5 (65)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale have come from behind to snatch victory, defeating Pascoe Vale by five points in one of the games of the year.
Saturday’s win is the Jets' first for the year while Pascoe Vale have now lost their last two after their opening round win against Douttas.
The Panthers will be left to rue plenty of missed opportunities after leading for most of the day, kicking 18 behinds which meant they failed to put the game to bed.
Leigh Tudor’s men got off to the perfect start opening up a 17-point half time lead before that was reduced to just one point after three unanswered Jets goals in the third.
The Panthers had their chance to build a bit of breathing space but squandered three golden opportunities and were made to pay when Dylan Ozenc goaled to put his side in front.
Pascoe Vale were able to tie the scores with three behinds before Ryan Townsend took his moment at the 26 minute mark, when he marked and goaled to give his side a six-point lead.
The Jets held firm in the dying minutes to record a famous victory to help kickstart their 2025 campaign.
Ozenc and Sam Zumbo kicked three and two goals respectively, while Riley Leedham stepped up to be awarded the Mount Alexander Hotel best on ground award.
Despite going down, experienced campaigners Matthew Dennis, Jayden Ranno, and Ben Allan battled hard all day but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.
Pascoe Vale will be hoping to bounce back when they take on Marby at Monk Oval, while Greenvale will host Airport West.
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By Ashleigh Matosevic
MOONEE VALLEY 1.4 (10) def. by ABERFELDIE 12.7 (79)
MATCH CENTRE
Aberfeldie continues its red-hot streak in Premier Division, holding off a resistant Moonee Valley side to secure a 69-point win.
Aberfeldie fired through to claim a third consecutive victory on Friday, maintaining the lead across all four quarters.
The win was headlined by several standout performers, including Briana Marino, who dominated with three goals.
Moana Hope also delivered a strong performance, adding three goals of her own, including a late term major.
A 25-point first term blitz set the tone for Aberfeldie, whose momentum couldn't fully deter a determined Moonee Valley side.
Aberfeldie will meet Hillside at Shark Park in a top-of-the-table clash this week, while Moonee Valley will look to bounce back when they take on Maribyrnong Park.
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 1.2 (8) def. by HILLSIDE 17.9 (111)
MATCH CENTRE
Hillside produced a striking performance over the weekend, toppling Essendon Doutta Stars by 103 points.
Led by the heroics of Caitlin Sargent and her impressive five-goal haul, Hillside were clinical offensively.
Hillside's pressure around the ball was too much for Douttas to handle, with their only goal coming late into the first term.
The returning Emily Paterno was another standout on the field contributing four goals to Hillside's big win, while Hannah Ibrahim added two.
Although Harmony Mitsos provided some momentum for Douttas with a first-term goal, Hillside capitalised on nearly every opportunity afterwards.
Now sitting second on the ladder, Hillside faces a major test as they host Aberfeldie at home, while Douttas will travel to Joe Brown Oval where they'll face Keilor.
OAK PARK 12.13 (85) def. KEILOR 2.1 (13)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park returned to winning form with a comfortable 72-point win against Keilor.
The team’s offensive strength was on full display, with several of Oak Park’s talents dominating throughout the match.
An early burst in the first quarter set up Oak Park's momentum for the rest of the game.
Keilor were held goalless early, but responded with a goal in the second. However, they struggled to push past a defiant Oak Park side.
Maggie O’Connell was a standout, booting three goals for the afternoon.
Alex Quigley, Marnie Jarvis, and Emily Taylor were also among Oak Park's best.
Oak Park will look to continue their run when they face Greenvale next, while Keilor will play host to Essendon Doutta Stars.
GREENVALE 11.11 (77) def. MARIBYRNONG PARK 2.2 (14)
MATCH CENTRE
Greenvale proved too strong for Maribyrnong Park, securing a solid 63-point win and its first for season 2025.
Dominating all four quarters with some key inclusions, Greenvale's relentless pressure left Marby struggling to keep up.
Despite a late surge in the second half, Maribyrnong Park's efforts weren't enough to unsettle Greenvale.
Kayla Peake starred with three goals, while Marli Klaumanns-Moller and Jorji Allison each contributed two.
Greenvale now prepares to to host Oak Park, while Maribyrnong Park will be looking for their first win of the season when they take on Moonee Valley.
By Ben Parker
TAYLORS LAKES 11.10 (76) def. by AVONDALE HEIGHTS 21.9 (135)
MATCH CENTRE
Avondale Heights have categorically announced themselves with a strong 59-point win over Taylors Lakes.
The Heights came out sizzling kicking nine goals to two in the first quarter to tear apart the Lions.
The connection into their forward line was sensational and the game was in their control.
Taylors Lakes did respond with a five-goal second term but there was no conviction. They allowed the Heights to kick four of their own and despite winning the quarter, the Lions still found themselves behind facing a daunting 34 point deficit at half time.
This deficit was only added to in the third term as the Heights pushed out to a healthy 49-point lead at the final break.
In a brilliant day for the Heights, Danko Bzenic and Nathan Foster were instrumental with bags of five and four goals respectively.
Meanwhile, Escher Richter and Jack Burns were solid contributors for the Lions on a disappointing day.
Avondale will look build on their strong start when they host Hillside next week, while Taylors Lakes stay at home to host a flying St Albans.
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CRAIGIEBURN 6.10 (46) def. MOONEE VALLEY 5.8 (38)
MATCH CENTRE
Craigieburn has outlasted a gallant Moonee Valley in a gritty win by 12 points at DS Aitken Reserve.
In a low-scoring affair, the Eagles took home the four points in tough and lethargic conditions.
The Eagles skipped out to a 22-point lead at the first break but probably should have asserted more scoreboard dominance when considering the robust first quarter they displayed.
With a high rate of possession and overwhelming forward half territory dominance, the Eagles deserved to have a greater lead.
However, Moonee Valley were incredibly brave and credit must be given for their ability to stay in the contest and chip into this small, but overwhelming lead all day.
Every goal kicked was like a small fortune on a day where goals were incredibly hard to come by.
Craigieburn had plenty of strong performers on the day. Dayne Middleton and Jai Robinson were the standouts as they accumulated plenty of the footy. Both managed to hit the scoreboard with a goal each.
For Moonee Valley, Luke Denny and Julian Hinton were solid all day, with Denny personally kicking two out of the Fog’s five goals.
Both sides have it all to do next week, with Craigieburn travelling to JP Fawkner Reserve to take on Oak Park, and Moonee Valley hosting West Coburg.
TULLAMARINE 8.5 (53) def. by OAK PARK 14.5 (89)
MATCH CENTRE
Oak Park got the job done in tricky conditions with a 36-point win over Tullamarine
The Roos started strong in the first quarter but allowed the Dees to get on top in the second.
In a game where many expected Oak Park to assert its dominance, the Dees only trailed by seven points at the main break.
The momentum was evidently with Tullamarine, and an exciting and intriguing second half was brewing.
But the Roos stood up, and kicked eight goals to three in the second half to put Tulla away.
Despite the loss, Tullamarine produced their best performance of the year and their first win of the season should be right around the corner. Returning star Shaun McKernan bagged three goals, while Ivan Pavlovic was impactful all day.
Despite producing football far from their best, Oak Park were still able to bank the four points; the sign of a very good football team.
Rory MacGregor was Oak Park’s best with Anthony Delorenzi also hitting the scoreboard with five goals.
Tullamarine will next look to secure their first win of the season against a struggling Roxburgh Park, while Oak Park hosts Craigieburn.
WEST COBURG 22.17 (149) def. ROXBURGH PARK 5.8 (38)
MATCH CENTRE
West Coburg were back to their best on Saturday with a 111-point win over Roxburgh Park.
In dominant fashion, West Coburg proved their credentials in a game that they simply had to win.
The Burgers kept Roxy goalless for the first half in what was a brilliant performance from their defensive unit all day.
Roxburgh Park were never able to put scoreboard pressure back onto West Coburg.
West Coburg had key contributors from all across the ground, with Jesse Martini and Mitchell Williams two who had great days.
While for Roxburgh Park, Brodie Naggs and Gavesh Siriwardana battled hard in what was a miserable and gloomy day.
West Coburg travel to Ormond Park next week to play Moonee Valley, while Roxburgh Park takes on Tullamarine.
By Ashleigh Matosevic
TULLAMARINE 0.1 (1) def. by KEILOR PARK 12.8 (80)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park has gone back to back following a stunning 79-point win against Tullamarine.
Despite a quiet start by both teams in the first quarter, Keilor Park found its momentum in the second term, firing with 4.1.
The Devils had extended their lead to 42 points at the final change, leaving Tullamarine unable to overcome the pressure.
The dynamic duo of Georgia O’Donovan and Caitlyn Crameri were clinical in front of goals kicking three each.
Kyiesha Taylor, Krystyn Raymundo, and Maddison Cooper were also among Keilor Park's multiple goal scorers.
Next, Keilor Park will host Burnside Heights, while Tullamarine will have a chance at a first win against Coburg Districts at Cole Reserve.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 2.3 (15) def. by WESTMEADOWS 4.5 (29)
MATCH CENTRE
In a fierce, tightly contested game, Westmeadows held on for a hard-fought win against Burnside Heights.
What began as a neck-and-neck contest quickly turned as Westmeadows took control, with a bag of goals late in the second quarter helping them stay afloat.
The Bears showed a valiant effort, narrowing the margin to five by the third quarter.
However, they couldn't overpower Westmeadows, whose late surge of goals sealed the victory.
The Tigers enjoyed a spread of goal kickers with Nikayla Jones and Miranda Bulman named their best.
Westmeadows will now face Strathmore over at Lebanon Reserve, while Burnside Heights will travel to Keilor Park.
COBURG DISTRICTS 0.0 (0) def. by STRATHMORE 14.20 (104)
MATCH CENTRE
Strathmore has cemented its position at the top of the ladder following a dominant 104-point win against Coburg Districts.
The game saw Strathmore assert its dominance early on, leading at every change right until the final siren.
A total of 10 Strathmore players contributed in front of goals with Sarah O'Toole, Mikayla Plant, Elisha Wain, and Chloe Oakley each kicking two goals.
Strathmore next faces Westmeadows for a clash at Lebanon Reserve, while Coburg Districts will prepare for their match against Tullamarine at Cole Reserve.
By Eliza Duncan
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 9.7 (61) def. COBURG DISTRICTS 8.11 (59)
MATCH CENTRE
Burnside Heights has made it two on the trot winning a two-point Anzac Day thriller against Coburg Districts.
Coburg Districts entered this contest keen to bounce back after a Good Friday loss and started strong, leading by 19 points at the first change.
The Bears kicked six goals to two in the second quarter to lead at half time, with the rest of the game turning into an arm wrestle as just four goals were kicked in the second half.
The Lions had plenty of opportunities in the final term but couldn't convert kicking 1.4, as Andrej Krunic kicked two straight to give the Bears the win.
Krunic ended the day with three goals as Jacob Elia kicked a second consecutive bag of four, proving to be a threat in the Bears' forward half with 10 goals for the season.
Tyson Iglesias was again named the best for the Bears, with Riley McLaughlin also putting together another solid game.
Districts managed to find more avenues to goal with Pasquale Curcio the only multiple goal kicker with three goals.
Samuel Caccamo, Luke Viska, and Aaron Aquilina were among their best as they look to snap their streak of losses against Hadfield.
The Bears will next head to Keilor Park to take on the Devils with both sides looking for a third consecutive win.
GLENROY 16.11 (107) def. WESTMEADOWS 12.9 (81)
MATCH CENTRE
Glenroy continued its unbeaten run to start the season coming from behind to defeat Westmeadows by 26 points on Anzac Day.
Westmeadows controlled the game on the scoreboard, leading by 15, 14, and 18 points at each break.
It was a final quarter blitz from the Roys which gave them a comfortable win in the end, kicking eight goals to one.
Glenroy enjoyed a spread of 10 individual goal kickers with Aaron Kite leading the way with three, and George Abdallah, James Bennie, Joseph Vaccaro, and Jake Young kicking two each.
Daniel Riley was named best on ground for Glenroy alongside Daniel Ferraro and Cody Wight.
Aaron Evans was a standout performer for Westmeadows kicking four goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Hugo Jenkins and Shaun O'Grady also chipped in for two goals each, while Nathan Sparks and Alessio Saitta were important as well.
Glenroy will look to make it four in a row against East Sunbury, while Westmeadows will face another challenge in Rupertswood.
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NORTHERN SAINTS 6.7 (43) def. by KEILOR PARK 13.10 (88)
MATCH CENTRE
Keilor Park has gone back to back for the first time since the 2023 season with a 45-point win over Northern Saints.
It was a fast start for Tamer Abdallah's men who kicked four goals from five scores in the first quarter, while the Devils could only manage one goal from their first five scores.
Keilor Park would take control from there holding the Saints to just two further goals while kicking 12 of their own.
Mark Jamar and Daylan Kempster proved to be difficult matchups for the Saints kicking three goals each, while Ben Chisholm was named the best.
Tamer Abdallah and Nader Badra were named the best for Northern Saints, while Mohamed Taleb led the goal kicking with two.
The Devils will next play Burnside Heights, while Northern Saints will play Sunbury Kangaroos.
HADFIELD 8.11 (59) def. by SUNBURY KANGAROOS 10.1 (61)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos has picked up its first win of the season defeating Hadfield by just two points at Martin Reserve.
It was a remarkably accurate afternoon for the Kangaroos in tough conditions finishing with 10.1.
Their solitary behind was their only score in the first quarter with Hadfield succumbing to a 2.6 scoreline.
Hadfield kicked two goals in each quarter but were overpowered by a four-goal final term from the Kangaroos with Shawn Bowden kicking three goals in a best-on-ground performance.
Co-coach Jayden Eales kicked two goals and was impressive alongside Dean Halliwell and Bradley Collins.
Jack Slavich was the only multiple goal scorer for Hadfield with two goals with the usual suspects Sam Godden and Rhys Gleisner again contributing strongly.
Hadfield will look to bounce back against Coburg Districts, while Sunbury Kangaroos will take on Northern Saints.
By Eliza Duncan
TAYLORS LAKES 10.19 (79) def. ROXBURGH PARK 1.2 (8)
MATCH CENTRE
Taylors Lakes has made a statement with a 71-point win over Roxburgh Park.
The Lions dominated from start to finish and piled on the pain with seven unanswered second half goals.
While coach Joe Antonetti would like to brush up the accuracy in front of goal, it's a big positive that 29 scoring shots were produced against the a side that played in a prelim in 2024.
Sarah Jamieson kicked four goals in a best on ground performance, as Charlie Goodwin and Stef Valerio kicked two goals each.
Rebecca Foggie and Sarah McNally also hit the scoreboard with Mia Bondar putting in a good performance as well.
Summa Blackburn was the lone goal scorer for Roxburgh Park and was among Saza Rwandzy and Jessica Ivory as the best.
Roxy will next play Sunbury Kangaroos while Taylors Lakes will face Gisborne.
SUNBURY KANGAROOS 3.7 (25) def. SUNBURY LIONS 3.6 (24)
MATCH CENTRE
Sunbury Kangaroos have beaten Sunbury Lions in a thrilling local derby by one point.
It was a tight contest all afternoon with the Kangaroos getting out to a game-high eight-point lead to start the third quarter.
The Kangaroos led by seven heading into the final term as the Lions had the dream start, kicking a goal a minute in to bring the margin back to one.
Both teams would trade behinds from there and the Kangaroos would hang on to win.
Tylah Bell was named the best for the Kangaroos with Lisa Kirby, Georgia Marinier, and Summer Pazsa hitting the scoreboard.
Grace Azzopardi was unsurprisingly the Lions' best with Taylah Brady, Tess Murphy, and Karla Tentonello kicking their goals.
The Lions will next play East Sunbury while the Kangaroos will play Roxburgh Park.
EAST SUNBURY 0.0 (0) def. by GISBORNE 23.14 (152)
MATCH CENTRE
Gisborne continued its perfect start to its return season with a 152-point win against East Sunbury.
It was an attacking masterclass as Gisborne kicked six goals in the first, second, and fourth quarters, and five goals in the third.
Ebony Cole and Alexia Todorovic each kicked five goals, while Brooke Cowan (four goals) and Kareena Jacobsen-Logan (three goals) were also dominant.
Belinda Hateley, Cheyene Macumber, and Teagan Ainslie were also in the best and have become the usual suspects for Gisborne.
Sophia Iosifidis and Rhianna Kirk led from the front for East Sunbury and were valiant in defeat.
The Thunder will next play Sunbury Lions, while Gisborne will play Taylors Lakes in a top-of-the-table clash.
